Category Archives: PHI


What is Phishing? Phishing Attacks and Prevention Explored

What is Phishing? 

Phishing is known as online spam in which hackers or cyber criminals make attempts to deceive and take advantage of user’s data through electronic communications means such as emails, phone, social media, websites etc. Data which they steal can be your confidential information such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, network credentials, and more. Hackers send malicious link or attachments in a file that when downloaded can lead to data breaches. 

Not only individuals are at risk but also the organizations that save personal information of person. Moreover, some phishing scams can aim company’s data in order to support spying efforts or state-backed espionage on opposition groups.

Phishing Methods

Most of the Phishing scams are made by sending an email to person or organization and email contain a malicious link and infected attachment that when clicked or downloaded can transfer your sensitive information through some user interaction. Few phishing methods are listed below:

  • Most of the phishing scams are done through link manipulation. Many of the phishing emails starts with word “Dear Customer”.
  • Phishing scams may use website forgery, which employs JavaScript commands to make a website URL look legitimate.
  • Using covert redirection. Hackers send a pop up link that will redirect users to a phishing website.
  • Cyber criminals also send infected, such as .exe files, Microsoft Office files etc.  
  • Many phishing scams are also done though phone calls, messages and social media tools where fraudulent tricks individuals into providing their sensitive data.  

Types of Phishing Attacks

There are three most common phishing attacks and these are listed below:-

Spear Fishing

In this attack, attackers target individuals by sending an email that requires victims to fill their sensitive data on the link they send through email. 

Clone Phishing

In clone phishing, attackers make a nearly identical copy of legitimate email message that was previously delivered to customer and then change an attachment or link to something malicious.


Whaling is a big phishing scam where attackers targets high profile executives in an organization. They aim of stealing money or sensitive information or gaining access to their computer systems for criminal purposes.

How to Prevent Phishing Attacks

  • The best method for any organization of preventing phishing attacks is by educating their employees about recognizing suspicious emails, links, and attachments.
  • Enable Two Factor Authentications. 
  • Use Email Filters that will automatically flag high-risk email messages.
  • Augmented password logins using personal images, identity cues, security skins, etc.